Obama attacks lack of Hurricane Sandy aid

Jan. 2, 2013
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President Obama / Charles Dharapak, AP

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama has joined the chorus of criticism over the Republican House's decision to adjourn without passing a Hurricane Sandy aid bill.

"The House of Representatives has refused to act, even as there are families and communities who still need our help to rebuild in the months and years ahead, and who also still need immediate support with the bulk of winter still in front of us," Obama said in a statement.

The White House staff also announced that Obama has spoken with governors of the states most affected by Sandy, Republican Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Democrat Andrew Cuomo of New York.

As USA TODAY's Catalina Camia and Jackie Kucinich reported, "tempers flared Wednesday after the GOP-led House left town without considering aid for Superstorm Sandy, as a senior New York lawmaker blasted House Speaker John Boehner and his fellow Republicans for leaving victims in the lurch."

One Republican, Republican Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said: "Turning your back on people who are starving and freezing is not a Republican Party value."

Obama's full statement:

"It has only been two months since Hurricane Sandy devastated communities across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as other eastern states. Our citizens are still trying to put their lives back together. Our states are still trying to rebuild vital infrastructure.

"And so, last month, working closely with the Governors of the affected states, I sent Congress an urgent request to support their efforts to rebuild and recover. The Senate passed this request with bipartisan support. But the House of Representatives has refused to act, even as there are families and communities who still need our help to rebuild in the months and years ahead, and who also still need immediate support with the bulk of winter still in front of us.

"When tragedy strikes, Americans come together to support those in need. I urge Republicans in the House of Representatives to do the same, bring this important request to a vote today, and pass it without delay for our fellow Americans."